RICHIE KOTZEN READIES CAREER RETROSPECTIVE COLLECTION

Posted on August 1, 2014 at 11:21 am.

Written by cmauck

When Richie Kotzen plays his guitar, you know it’s him.  The guitar virtuoso, singer and songwriter possesses an inimitable style that’s both instantly recognizable and immediately striking.  This unique style courses through The Essential Richie Kotzen, a career retrospective collection set for release Sept. 2 on Loud & Proud Records.  It encompasses the Fender signature artist’s entire career and his most essential work, and includes two CDs of classic material, acoustic performances, bootleg material and two brand new songs (“War Paint” and “Walk With Me”), as well as a DVD of music videos, acoustic performances and bootleg material.  Fans can pre-order the album at http://bit.ly/1oXRsUX.

Kotzen personally curated the collection from his 18 solo albums in order to give listeners the most comprehensive, cohesive and concise introduction to his extensive body of work.

“I’ve really changed and grown as an artist and as a person,” he said.  “I hand-selected songs so newcomers can get into my music and learn who I am as a recording artist.”

As far as his new songs — “War Paint” builds from an opening bluesy riff into a bombastic chorus punctuated by his gravelly delivery and impeccable lead playing, while “Walk With Me” sees Kotzen evolving once more and incorporating a Theremin into an emotive and engaging anthem.

“There was a specific sound I was hearing in the song,” he reveals of “Walk With Me.”  “I realized it was a Theremin, so I bought one and spent a couple of weeks learning it.  I used that where the lead guitar would normally go.  It was a really rewarding departure for me.”

With his guitar styles ranging from rock, blues, jazz and fusion to pop and soul, Kotzen has built a remarkably diverse 20 year career as a guitarist, singer and songwriter.  During that span, he toured with his trio extensively outside the United States, building a loyal fan base and selling out shows throughout Europe, Latin America, and Japan.

With his 20^th full-length solo album on the horizon for 2015 as well as countless gigs, his legacy is only continuing to expand.

Stay tuned for solo touring news, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Here’s the complete track listing of The Essential Richie Kotzen:

CD1:

1. War Paint *

2. Walk With Me *

3. Love Is Blind

4. Go Faster

5. Fooled Again

6. OMG (What’s Your Name?)

7. Help Me

8. Bad Situation

9. Lie To Me *

10. Fear

11. You Can’t Save Me

12. Doing What The Devil Says To Do

13. Remember (Reprise)

* never before released *

CD2:

1. What Is (2014)

2. High (2014)

3. Change (2014)

4. Special (2014)

5. Paint It On (Acoustic Version)

6. Holding On (Acoustic Version)

7. Until You Suffer Some (Fire And Ice) – (Acoustic Version)

8. The Road (Acoustic Version)

9. Regret (Original Demo Version)

10. Damaged (Original Demo Version)

DVD:

1. Walk With Me (2014)

2. Paying Dues (2009)

3. 24 Hours (2011)

4. Larger Than Life (2009)

5. Losing My Mind (2005)

6. Help Me (2012)

7. Chase It (2008)

8. Player (2011)

9. The Shadow (2011)

10. My Angel (2011)

11. I Would (2008)